Lady of the English - By Elizabeth Chadwick Page 0,167

not cried, because he was a man, and there was nothing to cry about.

Wallingford Castle fascinated him and once he had been shown his chamber and where he was to sleep, he had been eager to be about the fortress, exploring the defences, the chambers, and all the nooks and crannies. He enjoyed himself at the kennels, making the acquaintance of various dogs, thus earning the approval of Brian FitzCount’s wife, the lady Maude.

She patted his head and said if he wanted he could have a puppy when he left. Henry had been delighted. Having a puppy was not as good as having this ring, but it all added to the excitement and the largesse being poured on him. Vassals often gave hawks and dogs in tribute. He had been taken to see the huge storage barns and undercrofts with their supplies laid down for years of siege. He screwed up his face as he recognised the bales of stockfish. It was one of the hazards of Lent, and of course people under siege, although you had to have a plentiful water supply in order to soften the stuff.

“How long could you hold out?” he asked Brian and his uncle, who were examining the stores.

“For as long as the enemy chooses to lay siege, sire,” Brian said.

“How long would that be?”

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“It depends. Might be days or weeks or months, but they would break first.”

Henry was thoughtful. “Will Stephen follow Mama to Wallingford?”

His uncle shook his head. “I doubt it. He has bitten off more than he can chew, especially when he cannot trust his teeth.” He ruffled Henry’s red-gold curls. “You need have no fear, lad.”

“I’m not afraid. I want to fight him. It’s my crown.” Henry was aware of the adults casting amused glances over his head and was affronted.

“All in good time,” his uncle Robert said. “But first you have more learning to put under your belt and some growing to do if you are going to fit into your hauberk, hmmm?” That was true, but the eagerness bubbling up within him was impossible to contain. He wanted it now, not in several years’ time.

“I promised your father I would keep you safe, and that is what I intend to do. You will be dwelling in Bristol and learning what a king needs to know in order to rule.” Henry tucked the ring back inside his tunic. The stone and the gold were cold for a moment, but gradually warmed against his skin. He returned to the great hall with his uncle and FitzCount and found his mother waiting there for him. She was composed now and smiling, albeit in a strained way. Henry knelt to her again as he had been taught.

“I am sorry for weeping earlier,” she said a little breathlessly.

“I did not realise how overwhelmed I would be to see you.” Raising him to his feet, she embraced him; with an effort, she kept her touch light. “How you have grown!” He puffed out his chest. “I am here to help you, Mama,” he said. “It’s my turn now.”

Her eyelids tightened, but her smile became less strained.

“Indeed, and I am glad, because I have an important task for you.” 414

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Henry swelled further.

She set her hand on his shoulder. “Your uncle has told you that you are to go to Bristol and continue your studies there?” He nodded.

“But first you will come to court at Devizes, and everyone will swear fealty to you as my heir, and acknowledge you as the heir to England. Everyone will know you are the future for which they must hold firm. You have taken oaths before in Anjou and Normandy with your father. It will be similar to those times, but more important.”

Henry’s breathing quickened. “Will I wear a crown?” Matilda’s expression warmed with proud amusement. “You will indeed,” she said. “If you are to rule England, no one must be in any doubt, but you have to act like a king as well as look like one.”

Henry raised his head. “I can do that.” The words and the tone of voice were adult and serious, and a pang squeezed Matilda’s heart and womb. She had failed at so many things, and the terrible grief was still close to the surface, but she could cope; and this child was a precious shining light on the path to the future even if there was still much to do to educate and